The blog post explores the possibility of High Dynamic Range (HDR) emoji. The author notes that while emoji are widely supported, the current specification lacks the color depth and brightness capabilities of HDR, limiting their visual richness. They propose leveraging existing color formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision, already prevalent in video content, to enhance emoji expression and vibrancy, especially in dark mode. The post also suggests encoding HDR emoji using the relatively small HEIF image format, offering a balance between image quality and file size. While acknowledging potential implementation challenges and the need for updated rendering engines, the author believes HDR emoji could significantly improve visual communication.
Dithering is a technique used to create the illusion of more colors and smoother gradients in images with a limited color palette. The post "Dithering in Colour" explores various dithering algorithms, focusing on how they function with color images. It explains ordered dithering using matrices like the Bayer matrix, and error-diffusion dithering methods such as Floyd-Steinberg, which distribute quantization errors to neighboring pixels. The post visually demonstrates the effects of these algorithms with examples, highlighting the trade-offs between different methods in terms of perceived noise and color accuracy. It concludes by mentioning how dithering remains relevant today for stylistic effects and performance optimization, even with modern displays capable of displaying millions of colors.
HN users generally praised the article for its clear explanation of dithering, particularly its interactive visualizations. Several commenters shared their experiences with dithering, including its use in older games and demos. Some discussed the subtle differences between various dithering algorithms, while others highlighted the continued relevance of these techniques in resource-constrained environments or for stylistic effect. One commenter pointed out a typo in the article, which the author promptly corrected. A few users mentioned alternative resources on the topic, including a related blog post and a book.
The blog post explores whether the names of lakes accurately reflect their physical properties, specifically color. The author analyzes a dataset of lake names and satellite imagery, using natural language processing to categorize names based on color terms (like "blue," "green," or "red") and image processing to determine the actual water color. Ultimately, the analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation: lakes with names suggesting a particular color are, on average, more likely to exhibit that color than lakes with unrelated names. This suggests a degree of folk wisdom embedded in place names, reflecting long-term observations of environmental features.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and potential biases in the original article's analysis of lake color and names. Several commenters pointed out the limitations of using Google Maps data, noting that the perceived color can be influenced by factors like time of day, cloud cover, and algae blooms. Others questioned the reliability of using lake names as a proxy for actual color, suggesting that names can be historical, metaphorical, or even misleading. Some users proposed alternative approaches, like using satellite imagery for color analysis and incorporating local knowledge for name interpretation. The discussion also touched upon the influence of language and cultural perceptions on color naming conventions, with some users offering examples of lakes whose names don't accurately reflect their visual appearance. Finally, a few commenters appreciated the article as a starting point for further investigation, acknowledging its limitations while finding the topic intriguing.
"A Colorful Game of Life" introduces a variant of Conway's Game of Life where cells have colors, inherited through a dominant/recessive gene-like system. Instead of simply living or dying based on neighbor counts, cells now also change color based on the colors of their neighbors, leading to complex and visually striking emergent patterns. The author implemented this colorful version using a custom-built cellular automata simulator optimized for performance using WebAssembly and shared the interactive simulation online. Users can experiment with different starting configurations and color palettes, observing the evolution of intricate, self-organizing designs and colorful ecosystems.
Hacker News users discuss the colorful implementation of Conway's Game of Life, praising its aesthetic appeal and clever use of color. Several commenters appreciate the smooth animations and the visual interest added by the color rules, finding it more engaging than traditional black and white versions. Some discuss the performance aspects, noting potential improvements and wondering about the implementation details. The creator's choice of using a pre-multiplied alpha blending technique is highlighted and its effectiveness debated. A few users express a desire for more configuration options, like adjustable speed and customizable color palettes. There's also a brief discussion comparing the web implementation to a desktop version and speculation about the use of WebGL.
Alfred Goldsborough Mayer's 1897 article explores the coloration of lepidopteran wings. He details meticulous experiments investigating pigment and structural colors, arguing that the latter, caused by physical wing structures like scales and ridges, produce iridescent and metallic hues. Mayer examines the influence of temperature and humidity on pupal development and resultant wing color, finding that these factors can significantly alter color patterns. He also delves into the protective value of coloration, noting mimicry and camouflage strategies, and theorizes about the physiological processes underlying pigment formation. Ultimately, Mayer connects color variations to environmental influences and adaptation, suggesting the importance of physical laws and evolutionary pressures in shaping lepidopteran wing coloration.
Hacker News users discussed the beautiful illustrations in the 1897 book, with some noting the incredible detail and artistry involved in creating them. Several commenters pointed out the historical significance of the work, mentioning the limitations of printing technology at the time and marveling at the quality achieved. There was also discussion about the scientific value of such meticulous documentation of natural patterns, with some wondering about the original purpose of the research and others highlighting the ongoing relevance of studying these patterns. One commenter even connected the aesthetic appeal of the patterns to their potential functionality in nature, such as camouflage.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43717606
Hacker News users discussed the technical challenges and potential benefits of HDR emoji. Some questioned the practicality, citing the limited support for HDR across devices and platforms, and the minimal visual impact on small emoji. Others pointed out potential issues with color accuracy and the increased file sizes of HDR images. However, some expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of more vibrant and nuanced emoji, especially in messaging apps that already support HDR images. The discussion also touched on the artistic considerations of designing HDR emoji, and the need for careful implementation to avoid overly bright or distracting results. Several commenters highlighted the fact that Apple already utilizes a wide color gamut for emoji, suggesting the actual benefit of true HDR might be less significant than perceived.
The Hacker News post "HDR‑Infused Emoji" discussing the blog post about HDR emoji generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters exploring various aspects of the topic.
Some users questioned the practical value and necessity of HDR emoji, particularly given the small display size and limited dynamic range of most devices where emoji are commonly viewed. One commenter pointed out the irony of using HDR in such a small format, suggesting it's akin to "HDR for ants." Another user questioned whether the perceived benefits would be noticeable at all, especially on devices not equipped with HDR displays.
Others expressed skepticism about the technical implementation and potential compatibility issues. Concerns were raised about the increased file sizes of HDR emoji and the potential impact on performance and bandwidth usage. One commenter highlighted the lack of widespread adoption of HDR across platforms, raising doubts about the practicality of the technology for emoji. Another user suggested that the extra data required for HDR might negate the benefits of small emoji file sizes.
Several commenters discussed the existing challenges with emoji rendering and consistency across different platforms. One user noted the already-existing issues with emoji variation and how HDR could potentially exacerbate these problems. Another pointed out that improving the basic rendering and consistency of emoji across platforms should be prioritized over adding features like HDR.
A few commenters explored the potential future applications of HDR emoji, suggesting that they could be useful in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) environments. One commenter speculated about potential applications in messaging apps like iMessage, though acknowledged the current technical limitations. Another suggested the potential for animated stickers with HDR, potentially opening up new avenues for creative expression.
There was also a brief discussion about the technical details of HDR, with one user explaining the limitations of the Rec. 2020 color space. Another comment offered insights into the RGB nature of emoji and the potential complexities of applying HDR to them.
Finally, some users expressed general disinterest or amusement at the concept, with one commenter sarcastically suggesting "HDR toast notifications" as the next logical step. Another user simply stated, "This is absurd," reflecting a sentiment shared by some regarding the practicality of HDR emoji.